Instructors can change the environments in which students may drive their truck. Some of these conditions include:

rain, snow, wind, or fog

day, evening, or night

dry, wet, and icy road surface conditions

5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 13, and 18 speed transmissions

different engine manufacturers such as Mack and Cummins

Simulator benefits in the Truck Driving and Transportation Training Program

The Truck Driving Simulator has had many benefits for the Truck Driving and Transportation Training program. Previously, many students’ first experience with a Class A tractor-trailer truck was the day they went to the driving range and were handed the keys to the truck. It would often take a week or more of class time for students to be ready for the driving range. Now with simulation training, students are prepared for the range in less than two days.

Before simulation training, a student could burn three to five gallons of fuel per hour, wear out the clutch, as well as the transmission. All of these things put great stress on drivelines, tires, suspensions, and the instructors. Now trucks are repaired less and students are using less fuel.

Business and Safety Training

Beyond advancements in the truck driving classrooms, the simulators are used for ongoing training with several area businesses.

Additional software and vehicle modules are available for other types of drivers to enhance training and safety including: